Land Restored

11/30/1865

This document authorized the return of land seized by the Bureau to Jesse J. Busby of Jefferson County, Arkansas. Former Confederates were required to swear their allegiance to the United States. After being pardoned by the President, an individual could ask that his confiscated land be returned to him. The Freedmen’s Bureau was responsible for leasing abandoned or confiscated lands. It also acted on applications for the restoration of property to original owners.

National Archives, Records of the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands